A barber, an accountant, two traditional Morris dancers, two women and a toastmaster are among people interested in becoming the new town criers for Abingdon, writes Gordon

Rogers.

Ten new recruits are lining up following a special meeting called by the mayor, Cllr Lesley Legge, who wants to strengthen the town's heritage by forming an Abingdon Guild of Honorary Town Criers.

Mrs Legge said: "I am very pleased with the response. Now we can go forward and set about drawing up a constitution. It is reassuring to know that people from Abingdon and outside are interested in playing their part in helping to preserve the town's history."

Another meeting is planned in a month's time when the Guild's constitution will be discussed and a rota system drawn up. The ten applicants will then get the chance to don the official town crier's cloak and tricorn hat.

They will also be able to ring the bell and practise shouting out proclamations.

When he is not snipping people's hair, barber Steve Wilson will take time out to become town crier.

Traditional Morris dancers Dave Spiers and Jim Humphreys are also lining up along with accountant Derek Button, town councillor Peter Green, former town councillor and Freeman Ewart Hemmings and the mayor's husband Tony Legge.

District councillor Angela Lawrence and Margaret Pinsent, both from Abingdon, have also signed up.

A man who has no qualms about making himself heard is Anthony Church from Cowley, who gets regular practice as a toastmaster.